They say time is the best healer but unfortunately for me, although it’s been a year since my father Lord Gulam Noon passed away, it is still very fresh in my mind and not a moment or day goes by where he is not missed and remembered with affection. I know for sure that he continues to help and guide me like he always used to do.
My relationship with Dad was an extremely close one as it was a double headed one, in my personal life and also in my professional life. I dearly miss him on both fronts!
Growing up in the early years, although he was busy building up his business, he always found time for my sister Zarmin and me and made sure we had everything we wanted, nearly close to being spoilt!! My childhood memories are of very warm and close knit family celebrations, with my cousins and Dad’s brothers and sisters, with my grandmother holding court, lots of food and sweets! These family get-togethers were to last the next 50 years with regular visits to our hometown of Bhawani Mandi. There we would all gather from all parts of the world and reminisce our memories of wonderful times we had. The highlight was always sitting together, eating all the lovely food, sometimes even fresh river fish which he caught and marinated himself. He was a people’s person and always loved to have his family and friends close.
I think my father was the happiest there, in the company of his family and helping the poor and needy in his home town!
This legacy continues with the Noon Hospital and various schools that he helped over the years. This has now become my passion also, and I am working towards raising funds to expand on all fronts in his hometown. With the values he taught us, determination, integrity and goodwill, both my sister Zarmin and I have started a new trust in our father’s honour. “The Noon Memorial Legacy Trust”, this trust will help us keep his legacy going for not only the Noon Hospital in his home town of Bhawani Mandi, Rajasthan but The Noon Centre of equality and diversity in UEL, London where he was the Chancellor. He did so very much for us over the years and we feel we want to now give back to him in our own special way.
Dad was great to work with. He had the patience of a saint while dealing with people and guiding them along. He was my mentor and inspiration since I started Noon Products with him way back in 1989 and we all worked very hard to see it grow and grow and become the success the whole world sees today. He truly was the “Curry King” as known by all in the food industry. I used to see him everyday as he walked into his office, stopping at my table to have an update and a chat. This I miss dearly, sometimes just looking up expecting him to walk by brings tears to my eyes.
We all miss him dearly but I thank the Almighty that we were so very lucky to have such an amazing father; I would want him as my father in each and every lifetime!
He taught me hard work always pays and to never ever give up on your dreams. I know his hand will always be on my head, blessing me and guiding me to achieve all I want in life!!
Dearly loved and greatly missed
Zeenat Noon Harnal
